Book Reviews

Shooting Star (Cattle Valley 24) by Carol Lynne at Pride Publishing

Book Blurb

Fleeing Hollywood from damaging and false tabloid reports, Brac Riesling hides out with his friends Kit and Hawk in Cattle Valley. Although he believes he's simply evading intrusive paparazzi, danger lurks just around the corner.

After years spent as a secret soldier for the United States government, new Cattle Valley deputy, Al Jessup believes shielding the television heartthrob from nosy reporters will be an easy assignment. Becoming infatuated with Brac isn't part of the plan, and Jessup struggles to remain professional despite the temptation Brac provides.

When Jessup gives in to his desire and Brac nearly pays for the moment of passion with his life, Jessup vows not to make the same mistake twice. He calls in a favour from the only man he trusts with Brac's life, James "Priest" Evans. Priest agrees to guard Brac at a secret location while Jessup searches for the unknown gunman. Jessup's resolve to put a halt to the budding relationship with Brac is tested when he witnesses the easy-going relationship Brac and Priest have formed after only a few days.

Book Review

Love often comes along when we least expect it. In Shooting Star by Carol Lynne, neither Brac Riesling nor Al Jessup were anticipating falling in love; but as the saying goes: “Sometimes the perfect person for you is the one you least expect” ~ Unknown. How they react to this revelation creates a conflict which throws both of them into chaos.

When Brac comes to Cattle Valley, he's immediately impressed with the honesty of the community. Being a big star carries with it a huge burden—no private life at all. It's like being on stage twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Brac is tired of living his life under a microscope and begins to wonder how it would be to live a normal life. I like Brac. In spite of his good looks and fame, he's a decent human being. I'm particularly impressed with the way he wants to protect Kim, his best friend, from the constant swarm of reporters and photographers that torment him. When he meets Al Jessup he realizes that there is something unique but exceedingly secretive about him: “He’d always had a thing for the strong silent type, but Jessup took it to a whole new level. It sent chills through Brac’s body. He reached out and rested a hand on Jessup’s forearm. “Are you uncomfortable around me?” “Yes.” At the time, Brac has no idea what a momentous accomplishment touching Jessup is and what an uphill battle is involved before they can be together.

Al Jessup is a paradox; he's untrusting and isolated. Jessup is suffering from PTSS and he's terrified of being touched. However, the amazing thing is, when Brac touches him, he doesn't have a negative reaction. On top of his anxiety, he has had a bad childhood and believes that he's not worthy of being loved. Consequently, when he begins to have feelings for Brac, he tries to deny them until something happens which threatens to separate them forever. Jessup decides that he will no longer deny his feelings and try to win Brac's heart. Introducing his friend Priest into the story was an interesting way of adding more depth and mystery at the same time and as Carol's fans will understand, a hint of future attractions.

'Shooting Star' is written in Carol Lynne's customary style with great characters, lots of sex, angst, action and a happy ending. I liked the story, but I would've liked to have seen her expand on some of the issues, particularly Jessup's fear of being touched. It's a brave subject to tackle, but considering the depth of his problem, his recovery was far more rapid than realistic, but there's no denying that it made for some sensual scenes between Brac and Al. I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants to relax in a favorite chair, possibly with a cup of tea and a crumpet and escape the real world for a while. Thanks Carol for another entertaining story.

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been provided by Pride Publishing for the purpose of a review.